Spurs Vs Latics Preview

Roberto Martinez takes his Latics side to White Hart Lane to face Spurs looking to get back to winning ways following a defeat and a draw in the last two games.

With a two week lay-off for the international break the Latics boss will be more than pleased to get his squad back together unscathed with only left back Maynor Figueroa out injured and the manager reports that he is nearing full fitness and should be available for next week

The game against Spurs promises to be a good encounter with two sides facing each other that like to play football, but one aspect of the game that Spurs fans, Latics fans and neutrals are looking forward to is the midfield duel between compatriots and very close friends Wilson Palacios and Hendry Thomas.

The two Honduras internationals are pivotal to their side`s success and when they play well so does their team. With the Palacios connection to Wigan it could well be an emotional game for the likeable catracho.

This is a game that could go either way, Spurs lost their last home game to Stoke and the Latics are anything but consistent with displays that have demolished both Villa and Burnley on the road yet seen the team capitulate and take stuffing`s at Arsenal and Portsmouth.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'Harry's (Redknapp) curriculum speaks for itself. I have the utmost respect for him and I'm a big admirer of the work he has done throughout his career.

'His management skills have made him successful in every environment he's been in, and now he's putting together a team who are competing with the very best in the Premier League.

'I think the central midfield area is going to see a lot of action.

'The way Spurs play, and the talent they have in that area is key to their game. In the same respect we have great strength in our midfield to stand up to that threat, so it's certainly going to be a tough battle, to get hold of the ball.

'So I'm expecting an open encounter, played at a high tempo with plenty of chances. I think the result is going to depend on who shows that coolness in front of goal.'

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp:

'They have a terrific young manager, he's excellent'

'I liked him when he was at Swansea, where he did a great job and got them playing fantastic football.

'He's gone to Wigan and I'm sure he's going to be a great success there as well.

Bassong, Cudicini, Giovani , King, Modric, Walker are all likely to be missing.

Spurs possible:

Gomes; Corluka, Dawson, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto, Jenas, Huddlestone, Palacios, Keane, Crouch, Defoe.

Subs: Alnwick, Hutton, Bale, Bentley, Pavlyuchenko, Kranjcar.

Quality striker and a livewire, he always seems to score against us

With just Maynor Figueroa out injured Martinez should plump for an unchanged side from the Fulham game.

Latics probable:

Kirkland; Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Edman, N'Zogbia, Thomas, Scharner, Diame, Rodallega, Scotland.

Subs: Pollitt, Amaya, Cho, Gomez, De Ridder, Sinclair, Koumas.

Hugo has been on fire this season and he will look to carry that on today

We have faced Spurs 8 times in the league and once in the FA cup, the record is:

Spurs 4 wins, Latics 1, draws 3


Last Five Meetings

11/01/09 - Premier League - Wigan 1 Spurs 0
02/01/09 - FA Cup - Spurs 3 Wigan 1
21/09/08 - Premier League - Spurs 0 Wigan 0
19/04/09 - Premier League - Wigan 1 Spurs 1
11/09/07 - Premier League - Spurs 4 Wigan 0

Peter Walton (Northants)

This will be close in my opinion and both my heart and my head are telling me a 1-1 draw

Premier League

Wigan Athletic Vs Sunderland
DW Stadium
Saturday 298/11/09
3 pm